Five takeaways: Norwalk punches ticket to state with win over Dallas Center-Grimes
WEST DES MOINES — Norwalk took down Dallas Center-Grimes Monday night 71-57, sending the Warriors to the state tournament in Wells Fargo Arena. Bowen Born did Bowen Born things, dropping a game-high 39 points and hitting six 3-pointers. Teammates Scott…
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Continue ReadingWEST DES MOINES — Norwalk took down Dallas Center-Grimes Monday night 71-57, sending the Warriors to the state tournament in Wells Fargo Arena.
Bowen Born did Bowen Born things, dropping a game-high 39 points and hitting six 3-pointers. Teammates Scott Anderson and Tyler Johnson each scored nine to help round out Norwalk’s scoring load.
Meanwhile, Dallas Center-Grimes was led by Trenton Leibe’s 19 points. Cody Hall added nine, Cole Glasgow scored eight, and both Luke Rankin and Alex Thomas finished with seven.
Here are five takeaways from Norwalk’s win.
Bowen Born was a threat both from beyond the arc and when he attacked the rack against Dallas Center-Grimes.Bowen Born is a certified bucket-getter
There’s no way around it: Northern Iowa basketball is getting a special player in Bowen Born. The 2020 prospect went off against Dallas Center-Grimes, scoring 39 points and dishing a few flashy assists.
Born flashed yet again why he’s one of the best players in the state; he’s decisive, splits double-teams extremely well, always has his head on a swivel, and doesn’t shy away from contact. He made 11 shots in the win, six of which came from beyond the 3-point arc. He went 12-for-13 from the free-throw line, too.
While some of his passes didn’t go down as assists, Born constantly set his teammates up with open looks if his path to the hoop was clogged. He’s a fantastic scorer and and quality distributor.
Luke Rankin flashed great passing ability in the loss to Norwalk.Luke Rankin play-making abilities were on full display
While he didn’t put up as many points as Born, Dallas Center-Grimes’ Luke Rankin flashed some excellent court vision. He finished with five points, but it was his passing that deserves the recognition in the loss to Norwalk.
Rankin didn’t score till midway through the second quarter, but he didn’t need to; the 2021 guard set his teammates up with excellent position when he was the offense’s focal point. Rankin looked sharp in the pick-and-roll.
Rankin has a good first step and is decisive with his facilitating. He’s a quality point guard that will bolster Dallas Center-Grimes’ attack next season.
Scott Anderson helped with the scoring load for Norwalk
Born accounted for more than half of Norwalk’s points, but 2020 prospect Scott Anderson added nine in the winning effort.
Anderson was not the focal point of the Warrior offense, but when he found himself open, he didn’t shy away from taking shots. It was a nice sign, considering Dallas Center-Grimes guarded Born tightly while he was away from the ball. Someone had to step up and hit shots from deep, and that was Anderson. All three of his makes came from downtown.
With Norwalk advancing to the state tournament, defenses will only tighten up on Born. Anderson and some of his Warrior teammates will have to shoulder some of the scoring load for a Norwalk postseason run.
Dallas Center-Grimes’ Trenton Liebe is a balanced scorer
Trenton Liebe isn’t a tall prospect by any means, but the 6′ 3″ forward went to work against Norwalk. He finished with 19 points, hitting shots from both in close and from 3-point range.
Liebe isn’t as quick as teammate Rankin, but he’s got some game. The 2020 prospect had a knack for getting the ball in great position. He showed great energy and hit some tough shots.
Cole Glasgow has a nice looking jump shot.Cole Glasgow didn’t put up big numbers, but he’s got a bright future
Glasgow, a 2022 prospect with Dallas Center-Grimes, didn’t put up gaudy numbers but looked sharp in the second half. He finished with eight points, six of which came in the final two quarters. Glasgow has a nice jump shot — the best of any of his teammates. Considering he’s one of Dallas Center-Grimes’ taller players, the potential is there for him to be a solid player in and out of the paint, especially if his jumper progresses.